U.S. Chamber Comments on Proposed UN Internet Regulations

Voices Strong Support for U.S. Government’s Refusal to Sign Agreement in Current Form

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer David Chavern today issued the following statement regarding the United Nation’s International Telecommunication Union (ITU) treaty regarding internet regulation currently being discussed in Dubai:

“The U.S. Chamber of Commerce firmly believes that regulation of the Internet by the ITU poses serious risks to years of Internet-led innovation and growth.   We recognize and support the desire to promote sound Internet policies and maximize broadband penetration.  However, we don’t believe that the ITU is the proper forum for advancing these discussions, and we are troubled by the apparent desire of some governments to create political cover for curtailing the expression of political speech and dissent.  We strongly support the U.S. government for refusing to sign on to such a misguided approach.”

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world’s largest business federation representing the interests of more than 3 million businesses of all sizes, sectors, and regions, as well as state and local chambers and industry associations.